Other Issues

The Portuguese environment EU Presidency has furthermore a heavy loaded agenda in terms of regulatory pipeline. Indeed, since the start of the Commission’s release of the several thematic strategies foreseen under the 6th Environmental Action Plan, the Environment Council has been busy preparing the relevant legislation.

The Presidency will work closely with both Parliament and the member states so as to make headway on a number of dossiers. Emphasis will be put on attempting to conclude 2nd reading agreement on the air quality and marine environment directives. The Portuguese Presidency will also do its best to reach political agreement on the aviation, fuel quality and soil directives.

The Portuguese Presidency will also focus on the Environment Council’s contribution to the EU Sustainable Development Strategy process on the basis of a progress report prepared by the Commission.

On the international front, aside from climate change, the Presidency will chair the EU delegations to the 20th anniversary Montreal Protocol Meeting of Parties, in Montreal in September, and the important Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference, in Belgrade in October. The continuation of the preparation of the Biodiversity 2008 Conference of Parties, and the beginning of the preparations for the 2008 UNEP Governing Council and UN Commission on Sustainable Development will also be taken up during the second half of 2007.